How effective is weight loss surgery?

How effective is weight loss surgery?

For severely overweight individuals who have not seen results from diet and exercise alone, weight loss surgery is the safest and most effective means of achieving significant weight loss. In fact, studies have shown that almost 95% of obese patients regain all of the weight they lost within 5 years with diet and exercise alone. On the other hand, long-term success rates for weight loss surgical procedures – including the LAP-BAND procedure – are remarkably high, allowing patients to lose between 50 and 70% of their excess body weight. Although there are many factors that can influence an individual patient's weight loss success, weight loss surgery is simply the most effective solution for long-term weight loss and a healthy lifestyle for severely obese patients.

Studies show that most patients who undergo weight loss surgery lose between 50 and 70% of their excess body weight within the first three years after the procedure. Those who undergo gastric bypass surgery will lose excess body weight faster in the first 12 months than those who choose LAP-BAND surgery. However, gastric bypass patients typically experience a greater number of complications and side effects than LAP-BAND patients because the LAP-BAND procedure allows for more gradual and natural long-term weight loss.

From a clinical perspective, weight loss surgery is considered successful if the patient loses at least 50% of excess body weight and maintains the weight for at least five years. While important lifestyle changes must be made to ensure weight loss is maintained long-term, studies have shown that most weight loss surgery patients can maintain a loss of 50-60% of their excess weight 10 years after the surgical procedure. However, it is important to note that losing just 10% of total body weight can have positive health effects when it comes to eliminating obesity-related conditions such as asthma, gastric reflux (GERD), and diabetes. Because weight loss surgery is typically performed on patients who are at least 75 to 100 pounds overweight or have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 with a medical condition, total weight loss can range from 40 pounds to over 100 pounds. But the patient is truly the leader behind achieving these results.

While patients will certainly look and feel better after weight loss surgery, there are also numerous health benefits associated with successful weight loss. Health conditions caused by overweight or worsened by obesity can in most cases be improved or, in some cases, corrected by weight loss surgery.

But there are other ways to measure the success of weight loss surgery, such as the LAP-BAND system. For example, many weight loss surgery patients take great pride in being able to perform certain activities that may not have been possible for several years, such as sitting comfortably in an airplane seat.

While most patients who undergo weight loss surgery experience incredibly positive results, there are many factors that can affect the overall success of an individual patient's procedure and follow-up care. Here are some important factors to consider when trying to determine whether weight loss surgery is right for you.

Weight before surgery

In general, the higher a patient's weight or BMI before surgery, the more excess weight the patient can lose after surgery. However, weight loss surgery recipients with less excess weight will eventually get closer to their ideal weight with a long-term commitment to diet and exercise. Resolution or improvement of obesity-related diseases can also occur even with moderate amounts of weight. Many diseases can often be cured rather than improved with earlier intervention at a lower weight.

General health

While pre-existing health conditions can affect the overall success of weight loss surgery (for example, patients with type 2 diabetes typically lose less excess body weight after surgery), studies have shown that many obesity-related conditions are either improved or go into remission after successful surgery. For example, a 2000 study conducted on 500 weight-loss surgery patients showed that nearly 96% of obesity-related health conditions—such as high blood pressure, depression, sleep apnea, back pain, and diabetes—significantly improved after losing excess weight-term commitment to diet and exercise.

Surgical procedure

Because there are potential risks and complications associated with any surgical procedure, potential patients should always try to have their weight loss surgery performed by a trusted medical professional. Potential patients should inquire about their surgeon's success rates for weight loss surgery and listen to the experiences of previous patients. In addition, a patient's weight loss success can also be influenced by the quality of postoperative care and advice provided by the bariatric outpatient clinic.

Diet and exercise

Since diet and exercise are two of the most important factors in any weight loss plan, patients who are physically able to exercise after weight loss surgery have increased chances of achieving their goals. To maintain the weight loss achieved through surgery, both exercise and healthy eating habits must become regular parts of a patient's lifestyle.

engagement

The ability to adhere to suggested dietary guidelines, exercise programs, and any follow-up care recommended by the bariatric outpatient facility is important for both short-term weight loss and long-term weight control.

motivation

Patients who are motivated to lose weight and willing to follow diet and exercise before weight loss surgery may experience greater success immediately after the procedure and in the long term. Most people didn't find themselves severely obese overnight. It took years to achieve this weight and therefore patients should be patient with the weight loss process, which will not happen overnight either. Successful patients find small victories along the way to celebrate and stay motivated.

Support

Because weight loss surgery requires some time away from everyday activities, it is important to have the support of family, friends, and colleagues before undergoing any surgical procedure. Because the ongoing weight loss process after bariatric surgery may require some level of emotional support, potential patients may want to develop a support network—including friends and family members who can participate in exercise and healthy eating.

Considering that significant weight loss can not only eliminate many health problems but also improve a person's quality of life, the potential benefits of weight loss surgery are abundant. For severely overweight people who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone, weight loss surgery is the most effective way to lose weight - and keep it off.

Inspired by Carole S. Guinane